Principal Manufacuring Engineer – Manufacturing Systems

Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Manufacturing Systems - Govan, Glasgow (Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency Placement)

Position Overview

• Role: Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Manufacturing Systems

• Location: Glasgow, Govan (On-site full-time; Please speak to your recruiter regarding potential hybrid/flexible working arrangements)

• Salary: Up to £53,100 per annum

• Job Function: Trades, Manufacturing and Operations / Experienced Professionals

• Closing Date: Friday, 9th October 2026 (Note: The vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received)

About the Role

Join our esteemed naval shipbuilding client and help drive digital transformation! As a staffing partner, Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to recruit for this vital Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Manufacturing Systems position on behalf of BAE Systems.

Operating within the Manufacturing Engineering Systems Team at Govan, you will act as a technical authority supporting the Type 26 (T26) programme and future shipbuilding projects. You will serve as Test Manager for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), owning end-to-end test processes and collaborating closely with Operations and IT to deliver integrated digital solutions that enable world-class ship manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Mentoring: Provide technical leadership and mentoring to manufacturing engineers, fostering capability growth across the team.

• MES Test Management: Own the end-to-end test process for Manufacturing Execution Systems, ensuring clear governance and overseeing planning, execution, and completion.

• Data & System Optimisation: Drive the development, integration, and utilisation of data sets from manufacturing systems to enable insight-led decision-making and process optimisation.

• Requirements Lifecycle: Support the manufacturing systems requirements lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver tactical projects and work packages.

• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Perform root cause analysis of system issues to sustain operational performance while championing continuous improvement in digital manufacturing capabilities and data governance.

What We Are Looking For

• Engineering Foundation: Sound engineering knowledge demonstrated via formal qualifications and practical experience.

• Digital Systems Experience: Strong background in digital systems such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resource Management (ERM), NC Programming, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and 2D/3D CAD/CAM principles.

• Leadership & Coordination: Proven capability in leading and coordinating tasks to deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timelines through strong technical leadership.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary up to £53,100 per annum tailored to your experience.

• Pension & Share Plans: Comprehensive contributory pension scheme alongside employee share plans.

• Wellbeing & Lifestyle: Extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits, including private health plans, a green car scheme, and shopping discounts.